I believe that “theology plays a particularly important role in the search for a synthesis of knowledge as well as in the dialogue between faith and reason” (John Paul II, Ex Corde #19). Thus the study of theology affords students opportunities to engage in faithful, critical and spiritual reflection upon the rich Catholic intellectual tradition as well as upon the way in which that tradition has concretely engaged in explicit and/or implicit conversation with the broader culture throughout history. Through theology’s harmonious union of faith and reason, human knowledge and experience come to be informed by true wisdom.

My hope is that students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and habits of virtue that will make it possible for each of them to know their own dignity (created in God’s image); appreciate that same dignity in others, and therefore put their unique gifts at the service of all people. Thus they will set themselves freely and confidently on the path to true happiness in this life and in the life to come. And that, after all, is the ultimate purpose of a fully integrated education.

Biography:

Sister J. Sheila Galligan, IHM, has been a professor in the Department of Theology at Immaculata University since 1990. She teaches many of the elective/special topics courses. She has delved deeply into the lives and literary legacies of C.S. Lewis and John Paul II. Sister Sheila is actively engaged in promoting respect for human life.

Ad-hoc committee to oversee the use of the Catechism (NCCB), Archbishop Buechlein

Villanova Consortium for Mission Effectiveness

Archdiocese of Philadelphia: Pastoral Council

Catholic Library World: 55 Book Reviews (1996-2006)

Generation Life

Immaculata University “Macs Respect Life” Club Moderator

Courses Taught:

THE 109 Introduction to Theology

THE 112 St. Francis

THE 209 The Mystery of Sin and Salvation

THE 212 Insights and Images: Mary Rediscovered

THE 225 John Paul II: A Remarkable Life

THE 230 Embodying Forgiveness

THE 321 Old Testament Themes

THE 335 Christian Faith in Action (accelerated)

Research Interests:

Sister Sheila is currently exploring questions and issues linked with the topic of forgiveness. She was able to attend the first World Apostolic Congress on Mercy in Rome (April 2-6, 2008). Her primary interest is focused on the theological (biblical/spiritual) aspects of forgiveness. She is also interested in delving more deeply into the contemporary behavioral research on the means, processes and effects of forgiveness. The goal of her research is to understand the interpersonal, intra-personal and group processes that lead to effective Christian forgiveness.